Man United vs West Ham – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday in the Premier League. The hosts have lost just once in nine league matches and are building something good under Erik Ten Hag. West Ham are back in strong form with three wins in five in the league after a difficult start under David Moyes. United have won the last four league meetings between the teams.

Man United Form

Since their humiliating 6-3 Manchester derby thrashing at the hands of Man City, United are seven unbeaten in all competitions with five wins. That streak has included home and away victories against Omonia Nicosia and a 3-0 home win against Sheriff on Thursday in the Europa League.

In the league, it’s just one loss in nine matches. United have beaten Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham during that run as well as drawing 1-1 at Chelsea. Ten Hag’s side were outstanding against Spurs, outshooting them 28-9. They also played well at Stamford Bridge and took a deserved point.

Man United Team News

Erik Ten Hag has two noteworthy injuries to contend with. Raphael Varane will be out for a few weeks at least so Lisandro Martinez is set to be partnered by Victor Lindelof, with Harry Maguire left on the bench after recovering from injury himself.

Anthony Martial remains doubtful in attack and will make the bench at best. Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a place amongst the substitutes with Marcus Rashford leading the line in preference to him. Fred could come in to replace Christian Eriksen, who played 90 minutes on Thursday night.

Man United Motivation

Despite playing a strong team on Thursday night, United’s main focus will be on this must-win league fixture. Man Utd sits one point off Newcastle for a top-four place and won’t settle for anything less than three points in this one.

Both sides played in Europe on Thursday so any fatigue or distraction should be evened out.

West Ham Form

West Ham lost four of their final seven matches of last season and carried that poor form into this campaign. Moyes’ side lost five of their first seven league fixtures this term and picked up just four points during that run. Results have turned around since then with three wins and ten points from their last five Premier League games.

Successive home wins, 2-0 against Wolves and 3-1 against Fulham, were followed by a 1-1 draw at Southampton and then a 1-0 loss at Liverpool where they missed a penalty. Their last match saw a 2-0 home victory against Bournemouth. On Thursday, West Ham made it five wins from five in the Europa Conference League after beating Silkeborg 1-0 at home.

West Ham Team News

Moyes will be without Lucas Paqueta due to a shoulder injury whilst Max Cornet also misses out. Craig Dawson is carrying an injury and is tough-and-go. Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd made his return from injury against Silkeborg to boost options in that area.

West Ham could name the same side from the win against Bournemouth. Gianluca Scamacca is set to start in preference to Michail Antonio up front. Flynn Downes could keep his place in a three-man central midfield.

West Ham Motivation

Moyes would take a point from this match considering the strong form of Man Utd. He could play a back five which would indicate pre-match that his side will defend deep and in numbers.

Even if a back four is selected, expect the Hammers to be more defensive than usual and to absorb pressure before counter-attacking.

Key Stats

Man Utd have lost once in 9 PL matches (W6)

Man Utd have won 4 PL matches in a row against West Ham

United have lost once in 14 home PL matches (8W, 5D)

West Ham have lost 10 of their last 14 away PL matches

West Ham have failed to score in 5 of their last 8 away matches (PL)

Verdict

United are playing well right now and are hard to beat at Old Trafford. West Ham are terrible on the road and rarely scores goals on their travels so I am backing a home victory. A win with a clean sheet for Ten Hag’s charges looks a good bet.

Best Bet: Man Utd win at 1.68
Value Bet: Man Utd win to zero at 2.95
Multiplier Leg: Man Utd win/draw double chance + under 3.5 goals at 1.74

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis